--by Eileen Colarusso
In June of 2008, 1200 Deaf Catholics from around the world gathered in Rome to celebrate being one Church. The theme of the Pilgrimage was “Many Languages: One Faith.” Thirty-two countries were represented at the two-day event organized by the International Catholic Foundation for the Service of Deaf Persons (ICF). ICF serves the needs of Deaf people all over the world primarily in developing countries.
To see photos of the event click onto www.icfdeafservice.org Click on Rome 2008 at the top of the site.
The two days had many special moments planned by the foundation to make the most of our time spent there. During the Wednesday audience with Pope Benedict XVI, the pilgrims had seats up front. The Holy Father in the "Pope mobile" waved to us as he rode past our seats. The crowd of Deaf Pilgrims waved furiously, signing “I love you” to him. He greeted our group during his presentations and at the end of the audience met with Archbishop Patrick Kelly, President of ICF. He said, “Give the Deaf Pilgrims with you my greeting and my blessing.”
The audience was followed by a conference for pastoral workers in Deaf Ministry. Eight hundred people attended the conference, which included a panel of six deaf Catholics from different countries, to present on their own experiences living their Catholic faith. Many presented the struggles and obstacles faced by the Church due to their deafness.
On Thursday, we were back at St. Peter’s Basilica for a special Mass at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter, celebrated by Archbishop Patrick Kelly. The Liturgy started with the procession of 30 flags from the countries represented at the Pilgrimage. More than 40 priests who work in Deaf Ministry concelebrated the Mass with the archbishop. Before the final blessing, three deaf choirs from three different countries all signed the same hymn.
The Liturgy was followed by a social for all participants. Many stories were shared, signs were learned and new friends were made. We left to go our own ways. A few went home. Most continued the pilgrimage to many sights in Rome and beyond. All were touched by the spirit of unity that that said, though all may use a different sign language, we are all one in Christ our savior in this One, Holy, and Apostolic Church.
